Now I've seen a number of threads on the DC boards referring to Total Soccer at DCU. I for one have never felt we've seen it. I for one now feel we just may have stumbled into a team perfectly tailored to play Total Soccer. Olsen, Convey, Stewart, Kovalenko, Quaranta, Prideaux, Reyes, and even Nelsen (though you probably don't want Nellie venturing out to the wings) all have the skill and inclination to play all over the field, switching sides, moving up front or dropping back. Each of these players can easily handle two positions on the field, but more importantly have shown the tactical awareness (still not missing Villegas) to react to changing situations on the field. Actually, this is the type of lineup that could really make MAE effective. If I'm a coach thinking about how to defend this lineup I'm having nightmares.
Excellent. I don't think Cap'n Ray is a formation freak, so this arrangment may just come about on the field naturally. In practice, they just have to make sure the attackers do some tackling drills and the defenders do some scoring drills. There will have to be a good bit of on-the-field communication. The problem would be Etcheverry. He may roam the field, but he doesn't slip to the back line to defend but to find some extra room to work. When he is back there, he won't neccessarily be there to tackle.